Rear Admiral William P. Loeffler

United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa
Director for Policy, Resources and Strategy

Rear Adm. Loeffler graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in physical science. He was designated a Naval Aviator at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas in April 1978. Following training in the A-7E aircraft, Loeffler completed two cruises aboard the USS Coral Sea as a member of Carrier Air Wing 14 and was designated as an air wing strike leader.

In April 1982, Loeffler reported to Training Squadron 22 at NAS Kingsville, Texas, as a TA-4J instructor pilot. While there, he received his master’s degree in Business and Management from Webster University in October 1984. In February 1985, Loeffler reported to USS Kitty Hawk for duty as a catapult and arresting gear officer. He completed two cruises and received designation as Command Duty Officer (inport) and Officer of the Deck (underway). In July 1987, he completed A-7E replacement pilot training and reported to Attack Squadron (VA-22) where he completed one cruise aboard USS Enterprise as a member of Carrier Air Wing 11, and in January 1989, he reported to VA-122 as an A-7E instructor pilot. He left active duty in August 1989 with over 3,000 flight hours and 500 carrier landings.

Loeffler affiliated with the Navy Reserve (NR) in December 1989, and has commanded NR USS Independence 0176, NR USS Abraham Lincoln 0176 and NR Naval Station Rota, Spain 0167. He served as assistant chief of staff, Current Operations/Plans/Operational Requirements and Capabilities for NR commander, 6th Fleet Detachment 802 prior to serving as commanding officer, NR commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean 0167.

Loeffler was recalled to active duty in 2003 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom as Naval Element commander and Forward Logistics Support Site, Eastern Mediterranean, officer-in-charge, forward deployed, for commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean. He took command of NR commander, 6th Fleet Detachment 802 in October 2003.

Selected for rear admiral in 2005, his first flag assignment was as deputy commander, Navy Region Southeast. Loeffler was recalled to active duty in April 2006 as part of the Chairman’s Reserve Program as the deputy director of the United States Strategic Command, Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (SCC-WMD). Loeffler assumed his current duties as U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, director for Policy Resources and Strategy in January 2009.

Loeffler’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), and the Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medal.